- Our recent evaluation of car warranties resulted in CarShield receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. This comprehensive score takes into account factors such as industry reputation, coverage options, customer service, and affordability.
- CarShield achieved one of the highest ratings among all providers in our industry-wide study, solidifying its position as one of the top choices overall. The company particularly excelled in providing affordable coverage and beneficial features.
What Sets CarShield Apart
- While CarShield performed well across the board, our editorial team identified several standout features of the provider:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Makes direct payments to repair shops
- Coverage can be used at any ASE-certified mechanic
- High maximum mileage limit of 300,000 miles
Cons
- Not all plans come with rental car reimbursement
- Relatively high number of negative reviews
Is CarShield Worth It?
- Determining whether a CarShield plan is worthwhile depends on factors such as the reliability of your vehicle and your financial situation. If you seek long-term protection for your vehicle or desire peace of mind regarding expensive out-of-pocket repairs, CarShield could be a valuable investment.
- CarShield offers a range of useful plans with competitively priced coverage, establishing itself as a reputable extended car warranty provider. Particularly for those on a tight budget and in need of a used car warranty, CarShield's affordable prices make it an appealing choice.
- Founded: 2005
- Headquarters: St. Peters, Missouri
- Coverage Levels: 6
- CarShield is one of the most popular independent warranty providers in the country, offering flexible protection plans on a month-to-month basis. As a vehicle service contract broker, CarShield collaborates with other companies, such as American Auto Shield, to provide a wide array of coverage options and price points. Additionally, CarShield extends its services to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, and other alternative vehicles.
- CarShield has gained recognition through appearances on prominent channels such as ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and TBS. The company also boasts celebrity endorsements, including one from rapper and actor Ice-T.
CarShield Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Customer reviews for CarShield exhibit a range of opinions, with the majority of drivers reporting positive experiences. However, reviews concerning CarShield's customer service representatives are mixed.
CarShield Reviews and Complaints
- Numerous customers have shared their experiences with CarShield online, with the majority expressing satisfaction. Here are a few excerpts from positive and negative reviews:
Positive CarShield Reviews
“I have had to use CarShield two times. Both times they responded and covered my repairs without any hassle.”
We bought a car warranty for our 2007 Impala. We were in California when the transmission went out. CarShield stepped in, got the claim approved quickly, and we were back on the road. Don’t know what we would have done without them
CarShield Complaints
- CarShield's customer service team actively responds to customer comments, and the company has resolved over 1,100 complaints in the past year. However, it is important to note that these complaints represent a small portion compared to the more than 1 million contracts sold by CarShield.
- Customers who expressed less satisfaction in their CarShield reviews often focused on certain components not being covered under their extended warranty contracts.
“Paid $121 per month, and when my car broke down, they didn’t pay a cent.”
“I bought CarShield because of the awesome commercials. On the phone, the salesperson said that ‘anything that is not a wear item is covered, so no brake pads, no tires, etc.’ … Turns out that a lot of things are not covered. There are 10 pages of fine print.”
CarShield Pricing
- Our research team reached out to CarShield for cost estimates on several vehicles. Based on the quotes we received, CarShield's plans generally range between $99.99 and $129.99 per month.
- The table below illustrates some of the quotes we obtained from CarShield.
- Vehicle Type CarShield Warranty Term Length Monthly Payment Deductible.
- 2018 Toyota Camry Diamond plan Unlimited $99.99 monthly $100.
- 2013 Honda Accord Gold plan Unlimited $119.99 monthly $100.
- 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Diamond plan Unlimited $199.99 monthly $100.
- 2017 Honda CR-V Platinum plan Unlimited $119.99 monthly $100.
CarShield provides multiple deductible options, starting from $0. The company specializes in monthly payment plans, which means drivers do not have to commit to long-term contracts.
How Does CarShield Work?
- CarShield vehicle service contracts provide you with the option to pay ahead of time for mechanical breakdown repairs. You can choose to make an upfront payment or pay on a monthly basis. When you require repairs, CarShield will cover the costs, minus your deductible, as long as the affected components are covered and your account is in good standing.
CarShield Quote Process
- According to numerous CarShield reviews, the company offers a straightforward process for purchasing an extended warranty. You can obtain a quote by entering your information on the company's website.
- While it may seem more convenient to request a quote over the phone, our team experienced multiple instances of being put on hold for a total of 15 minutes when contacting CarShield. Therefore, it is advisable to consider obtaining a quote from CarShield's website, where you can receive a free quote online.
- If you are interested in purchasing an extended warranty, it is recommended to explore a quote from CarShield to assess if it aligns with your needs. Customer reviews indicate that CarShield's representatives are generally friendly and provide reasonably priced quotes.
How To Use a CarShield Warranty
- Finding a mechanic who accepts CarShield coverage is easy. If you have a vehicle service contract with CarShield, you can have covered repairs performed at any dealership or repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®). Here's how the process works:
F.A.Q's
CarShield is a vehicle service contract provider that offers extended warranty coverage for cars. It works by providing financial protection to car owners by covering the cost of repairs and replacements for covered components and systems that may fail due to mechanical breakdowns or malfunctions.
CarShield offers a range of coverage plans to suit different needs and budgets. Some of the common types of coverage include engine, transmission, electrical system, air conditioning, fuel system, and more. Each plan has its own set of covered components and systems, so it’s important to review the details to understand what is included.
To file a claim with CarShield, you need to contact their claims department, which is available 24/7. They will guide you through the process and provide instructions on what documentation is needed. It’s important to have your contract information and details of the issue ready when filing a claim.
CarShield, like any extended warranty provider, has limitations and exclusions in its coverage. These may include pre-existing conditions, wear and tear, cosmetic items, routine maintenance, and certain high-performance or modified parts. It’s crucial to carefully read the contract and understand the terms and conditions to know what is covered and what is not.
The cost of CarShield coverage varies depending on several factors such as the age, make, model, and mileage of the vehicle, as well as the type of coverage plan you choose. It’s best to request a quote from CarShield directly, providing the necessary information about your vehicle, to get an accurate cost estimate.
